Voice of the People Party (VPP) president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit on Tuesday hinted that he could contest from the Nartiang constituency in the 2028 Assembly elections if Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar formally invites him to enter the race.
Speaking at a public gathering at Iewpynsing in Wahiajer, West Jaintia Hills, Basaiawmoit referred to recent remarks made by Dhar and said he would seriously consider contesting from Nartiang if the invitation was genuine.
“If what I heard is true and I have understood correctly, then perhaps I may accept the challenge. It will make the election more interesting,” Basaiawmoit said.
The VPP leader said such a contest would not only be political but would also represent a larger battle between “the rich and the poor.”
“I may not have wealth or huge resources, but I believe the strength and love of the people are greater,” he told supporters.
His remarks came days after Sniawbhalang Dhar publicly stated that anybody was free to contest from Nartiang, including leaders from outside the constituency.
Dhar, who has represented Nartiang multiple times, had dismissed speculation surrounding a possible VPP challenge and said the constituency was “open for anyone.”
The Deputy Chief Minister had also jokingly remarked that if Basaiawmoit contested from Nartiang, “Nongkrem may not accept him back.”
Basaiawmoit, however, appeared confident while addressing party supporters during the meeting.
He claimed Meghalaya politics was now gradually turning into a direct contest between the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and the VPP.
“Today, politics in Meghalaya is moving towards two major forces. One side is the NPP which wants to remain in power, and the other is the VPP which is preparing to form the government in 2028,” he said.
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The VPP chief also accused the ruling party of depending heavily on money power, government influence, and official machinery during elections, while claiming that his party would rely mainly on public support.
“They may have money and power. We place our trust in the people,” Basaiawmoit said.“We will see whether money power wins or whether the people’s support wins in the end.”
The programme at Wahiajer was part of the VPP’s wider political campaign across Meghalaya ahead of the next Assembly elections.
Several senior party leaders attended the gathering, including JHADC MDC Jamshaphrang Pohtam of War Central.
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